Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2077, John Downing, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Downing, John Ruth
NUMBER _____
W 2077
B. L. Wt. 9184-160-55-
CONTENTS

73570
Act Mar 3/55
at 18/55
Ruth Downing, widow John Downing Downing, Miss.
One Map: Court line
Revolutionary pension
60 acres, Oct. 23/1855.
The Lady B. W. H. W.
Heard
Downing
Joshua Blake Mt Vernon Maine
Vol. D. 112. 8

Dito G. in clu d 5 737
Maine
John Downing
of Cumberland Co. in the State of Maine who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Abbot of the reg t commanded by Colonel Jackson in the Massachusetts line, for the term of one year, from April 1782 to June 1783
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of eight Dollars per month, commence on the 13 th day of April 1818 and
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d of January 1819, and sent to A. K. Parris Paris, Oxford County, Maine.
Restored to the Roll on 1 st day of July 1829 and notification sent to J. Wadsworth at Portland. Pension commencing on the 24 th of June 1829
Amount due on 4th of Sept r 1829
$ 18.92
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820.

1068 M rs Abigail Ruth Gunning widow of John Gunning who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Mass. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
12 th Sept r 1832
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of October 1832 and sent to
Joseph Hiley Portland Me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 2 Vol. A

Gofy
N 361.
John Downing Oct 1 March 1823.
Main.
WILLIAM L. GILPINE
to the Hon. the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. I, Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine, do hereby certify that the foregoing copy, and the schedules thereto annexed, are true copies of the original now on file in my office, and that the same are in full conformity with the original now on file in my office.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court, this 1st day of March, 1823.
Clerk of the U. S. District Court for Maine.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.
At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the Tuesday, being the Fourth day of February and by adjournment from day to day, on the day of nine in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable ALBION K. PARRIS , Ashur Ware Judge of said Court.
ON this fourth day of February in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, John Downing aged sixty three years, resident in Poland in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolution the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress, of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st May, 1820; that he, the said John Downing enlisted for the term of Three years on the fourteenth day of April in the year 1782 in the State of Massachusetts in the company commanded by captains Barr and Abbott in the regiment commanded by colonel Michael Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until the 30th of June 1784 when he was discharged from the service, in West Point in the state of New York that his name has been placed on the Pension Roll and dropped therefrom on account of his property income etc.
my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
John Downing
Sworn to and declared, on the fourth day of February A. D. 1820.
BEFORE Ashur Ware } U. S. District Judge for the District of Maine.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Of Real Estate - I have none of any description
Of Personal Estate - I have a gun - and a few articles of furniture
I have no income - there is a balance of about one hundred dollars due me on a note which is part of the consideration for which I sold the land mentioned below. And am owing as much as that balance will pay - Since the 18th of March 1878 the following changes have taken place in my property. I then had about sixty three acres of land and a few farming tools and so on as present.
   Description of Property. Names of the Persons to whom disposed of. Time of Sale. Amount of Money or Description of Property received in return.     63 acres of land 1 Sow - a farming tools Sam Downing Jew - August 15 1821 I received three notes of hand amounting to about four hundred eighty dollars and the purchaser paid debts for me which I owed to different individuals for articles of support to the amount of about two hundred dollars - I have received all the payments except about a hundred dollars which payment has been all my means of support since I sold said property  
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me John Downing who, by occupation am a laborer which I am not able to pursue by reason of a rupture which is very troublesome and have had two ribs broken by a fall -
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     I have now no family - I live as a boarder in different places as I can get accommodated   Feb. 4. 1879 Sworn to John Downing By me Ashur Ware Dut. Judge  

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Of Real Estate — I have none of any description
Of Personal Estate — I have a gun — and a few articles of furniture
I have no income — there is a balance of about one hundred dollars due me on a note which is part of the consideration for which I sold the land mentioned below. And am owing as much as that balance will pay — Since the 18 th of March 1878 the following changes have taken place in my property. I then had about sixty three acres of land and a few farming tools and a cow which I sold as winter feed in the winter of 1878-9.
Judge of said Court.
ON this day personally appeared John Downing in open Court, the same being the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and being known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.  Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 4 th day of February, 1879.  John Downing
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me John Downing who, by occupation am a laborer which I am not able to pursue by reason of a rupture which is very troublesome and have had two ribs broken by a fall
   NAMES.  AGES.  Capacity of each to contribute to their support.   
I have now no family — I live as a boarder in different places as I can get accommodated
Feb. 4. 1879 Sworn to Before me John Downing Ashur D. Ware Not. Judge

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
I, JOHN MUSSEY, Jnr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is one hundred five dollars and _____ cents.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this tenth day of February A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty- nine
John Mussey Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.

On this fourth day of January A.D. 1853, personally appeared Ruth Downing, a resident of Poland  Lockport in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged eighty three years, before the Hon. Asahel Ware Judge of the United States for the District of Maine who being first sworn, doth upon her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress passed 7 July 1838. 3 d March 1843. 17 th June 1844. 28 th February 1848 and the joint Resolution 1 July 1848.
Her husband John Downing, was a soldier in the Revolution and received the benefits of the Act of Congress passed under the law of 18 th March 1818, at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum. That your applicant is unable to state under what Captain's he served during the War of the Revolution, but she refers the Commissioner of Pensions to the declaration of her late husband made for the benefits of the Act of 18 th March 1818, and particularly to the testimony that was there adduced in support of his claim.
She further declares that she was married to said John Downing on the fourth day of November, 1788, and that her husband the aforesaid John Downing died on the twelfth day of September 1852. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four, viz at the time

above specified, and that she remains unmarried and has not intermarried since the death of John Downing, deceased.
Ruth Downing
Sworn to before me this fourth day of January 1807
As her mark
Maine District ss. } I Geo. F. Emery, clerk of the Circuit Court Office of the Clerk U.S. } of the United States for Maine District hereby certify, that Asahel Maine, whose genuine signature is above written was on the fourth day of January last, and still remains, District Judge of the United States for the District of Maine, duly commissioned & qualified, and full faith & credit are due to his acts as such, and the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Judge in the matter of Ruth Downing's application for a pension - I further certify that Samuel Foxcroft & Joseph Dole who purport, by papers annexed, to have severally acted as Justices of the Peace, were at the time of so acting, and still are, Justices of the Peace within & for the County of Cumberland, duly commissioned & qualified, fully authorized to administer oaths & take acknowledgements, and the signatures on papers annexed purporting to be theirs are respectively genuine,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official Seal this twenty seventh day of September A. D. 1853
Geo. F. Emery } Clerk Circuit Court U.S. for Maine District

In a Book of Records of the town of New Gloucester County of Cumberland & State of Maine kept for the purpose of recording Marriages, I find the following extract, viz: "Married by Rev. Samuel Foxcroft 1788. Nov. 4 th . John Downing to Ruth Emery both of Bakertown"
I certify that I am town clerk of New Gloucester that the records of said town are in my custody & that the above is a true copy of the record with which in writing would read thus: November the fourth seventeen hundred & eighty eight Elisha H. Moseley Town Clerk
Cumberland ss
December 25 th 1852
Personally appeared the above named Elisha H. Moseley and made oath to the truth of the above Certificate by him signed
Before me
Samuel Foxcroft, Just Peace

I Nathan L. Woodbury of Portland in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, on oath depose. and say that I am fifty five years of age and am a disinterested witness, that I am well acquainted with Ruth Downing of Poland in the County aforesaid, that she is the widow of John Downing deceased who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States. that I have known them for forty years or more past, that I formerly lived near them that one of their daughters lived in my father's family for a long time, that I have had an acquaintance with them from my boyhood childhood.
N. L. Woodbury
Sworn and Subscribed to this 24th day of September 1853 Before me, and I further that Nathan L. Woodbury above named is personally known to me as a person of veracity and a credible witness. I further testify that he is at this present time Post Master of this city and has been the High Sheriff for many years in this County.
Joseph Duley Justice of the Peace

Portland, Me. Sept 30. 1853 I George F. Emery pension Agent for Maine Agency do hereby certify that by the book in this office John Dunning was a pensioner of the U.S. under the act 18th March 1818. and that he died 12th day of September 1852 and has been paid to that date - And I further certify that I am well acquainted with Ruth Dunning, the foregoing Dec- larant, and know her to be the widow of said John Dunning.
Geo. F. Emery Pension Agent.

Wm Downing Private Hackney's Mass. Reg t April 14: 1782 to June 30 Ca 1784
April 13. 1818
Admitted

I John Downing a resident citizen of the United States in the town of Minot and County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath declare that on the fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty two I enlisted as a private soldier into a company commanded by Capt John Carr in the Regiment under the command of Col Michael Jackson being the eighth Regiment of the Massachusetts line on the continental establishment in the Army of the United States of America. Soon after I entered the service and joined the said Regiment the command of the company devolved on Capt Stephen Abbot, formerly of the tenth Regiment but transferred to the command of said company in the eighth Regiment aforesaid. I continued in said service in the Revolutionary war from the time I enlisted until the thirtieth day of June in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty four when I was honorably discharged and left the service.
I do further on oath declare that I am not borne as a pensioner on any pension roll of said United States and that by reason of reduced circumstances in life I stand in need of assistance from my country for support.
John Downing

I, Samuel Downing of Ulverston in the County of Cumberland and State of Massachusetts, do testify and say, that I was in the continental service in the revolutionary war, during the same period that the above named John Downing served and was in the same regiment, and to my certain knowledge said John Downing served the term and in the manner he has above declared.
Samuel Downing
John Downing

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came John Downing the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined, made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered in evidence Samuel Downing named in the annexed certificate by him signed in my presence, who made oath that the facts therein contained are wholly true.
I Benjamin Lane Jr of Minot in the
We the subscribers Select men of the town of Minot in the County of Cumberland and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that John Downing an Inhabitant of said Minot is in indigent circumstances, and stands in need of aid from his Country agreeably to an Act of Congress in that behalf enacted.
Minot April 7 1818
Charles Moody } Select men } Minot
Justice of the Peace

I Benjamin Lane Jr. of Minot in the County of Cumberland and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that I am person- ally acquainted with John Downing of said Minot and from what I know of his circum- stances do believe that he stands in need of assistance from his country for support — Benjamin Lane Jr.
Cumberland ss Minot April 11 th 1818 The above named Benj in Lane Jr. after being duly cautioned made Oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me Godfrey Gnesvenor Justice of the Peace

I Jacob Hill of Minot in the County of Cumberland and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with John Bowning of said Minot and from what I know of his circumstances I do believe that he stands in need of assistance from his country for support
April 10 1818
Jacob Hill
Cumberland ss I know that on this 10th day of April 1818 the above named Jacob Hill Esq made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me Godfrey Greenough Justice of Peace

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came John Downing the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined, made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered in evidence Samuel Downing
named in the annexed certificate by him signed in my presence, who made oath that the facts therein contained are wholly true and the said applicant further offered in evidence his certificate which is hereunto annexed
And the said applicant further offered in evidence the affidavits of Benjamin Lane & and Jacob Seiu, hereto annexed by them signed
And it appearing to me in the examination here had, that the several persons above named are credible witnesses, I do hereby admit the annexed declarations as evidence, and certify the same as being satisfactory proof to me that the said John Downing the applicant, served as a private soldier in the revolutionary war, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and upwards in continuation on the continental establishment. And I do further certify, that from the declaration of the applicant made before me, under oath as aforesaid, it does appear that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support; all which I do hereby certify and transmit to the Secretary of the Department of War, agreeably to the provisions of an Act of Congress, passed March 18, 1818, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused my Seal to be affixed the day and year first mentioned.
Alcion L. Parris
Judge of the United States in and for the District of Maine.

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
State of Maine, } ss. COUNTY OF Franklin }
On this twenty fourth day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me, Joseph Dowd a Justice of the Peace, duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, Widow Ruth Downing aged eighty five years, a resident of Phillips County of Franklin in the State of Maine, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Widow of John Downing who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain in the Regiment of the Revolution, who would be eighty nine years of age if now living that he was at on or about the day of A. D. 18 for the term of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of and was honorably discharged at on the of A. D. 18 as he believes will
appear by the muster rolls of said Company. That he did not receive a written certificate of discharge, having been verbally discharged, which is now probably on file at the Department at Washington. She refers you to said discharge & also to her application to the Department for a pension, which she semiannually draws from Government, for further information relating to the time of her entering the army, and leaving the service, and also, relative to his commanding officers, and all other things necessary. (She states that she was a resident of Poland, Maine at the time of making her application for her pension above described) and that she is a widow at this date. He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the "act granting additional bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States," approved March 3, 1855. And refers to his former declaration made under act of upon which he obtained a Land Warrant No. for acres, which he having legally transferred and disposed of.
He further declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land under any other act of Congress, nor made any application therefor, than the one above referred to, under act of upon which he obtained the said Land Warrant No. for except acres, and the one now presented.
Ruth Downing
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I believe the said Widow Ruth Downing who signed and executed the above declaration, and is now present, to be the identical man who served as aforesaid, and that he is of the age above stated, and that I have no interest in said claim.
Joseph Dowd Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss: COUNTY OF Franklin }
PERSONALLY APPEARED Isaac Downing and James R. Downing citizens of Phillips the said County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn, depose and say that they are personally acquainted with Widow Ruth Downing and that he is the person now present who signs and executes the foregoing declarations.
Isaac Downing
J. R. Downing
Sworn to and Subscribed before me, this twenty fourth day of March A. D. 185 5 and I certify that the said Isaac Downing and James R. Downing are credible and respectable citizens.
Joseph Dowd JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all men by these presents. That I, Keith Downing of Phillips in the County of Franklin and State of Maine , have constituted and appointed Joshua Blake of Mt. Vernon in the State of Maine , my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land Certificate, or Warrant, due me under existing Laws granting Bounty Lands for services rendered in the United States in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, and an attorney or attorneys under him, for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do, or cause to be done, in the premises.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty fourth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five
Witness: G. R. Marston
Keith Downing
STATE OF MAINE, COUNTY OF Franklin ss:—On the twenty fourth day of March 185 5 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County Keith Downing and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his free act and deed.
Joseph Dow Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. COUNTY OF Franklin
I HEREBY CERTIFY, that Joseph Dow Esquire before whom the within declaration, affidavit, and power of attorney, were made and executed, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County aforesaid, this ninth day of April 185 5
Isaac Dyer CLERK.
13370
Claim of William Downing TO BOUNTY LAND.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
PRESENTED BY
Joshua Blake ATTORNEY, William Maine .

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. John Downing Wid. File 2077
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 14, 1782 June 30, 1784 Pvt. John Carr Stephen Abbott Hobbs Michael Jackson Mass.   and discharged from the "American Regt" June 30, 1784        
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, 1
Date of application for pension, Apr. 13, 1818. His l. was of
Residence at date of application, Minot Cumberland Co. Me. (Me.)
Age at date of application, 52 yrs. place not stated. Died Sept. 12, 1852, place not stated.
Remarks: Soldier married Nov. 4, 1788, Ruth Emery. She was allowed pension on an application executed Jan'y 4, 1852, while a resident of Poland, Cumberland Co. Me. aged 83 years. Soldier's brother Richard D. testified in claim. Children and son-in-law referred to, no names stated.
Very respectfully,

799
Briggs
Low Mass.
1908 Mar. 18. H. S. L. Mrs. L. Helen Marshall V. L. M.
Pen
WIDOW, &c.
Aug N.G. Bro
File No. 2077 Ruth Downing Widow John Downing Par. Rev. Ward
Act: July 29, 1848.
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 187
[Arrangement of 1870.]

John Downing Mass.
N. 2077.
Dis. cf. of John Downing of the American Regt. signed H. Jackson B. Gen. dated June 30, 1884
has been removed from this claim and locked up for safe keeping
AW aw Mar. 13, 1912

Memoranda
Gloucester

Brief in the case of Ruth Downing widow of John Cumberland County and State of Maine act July 29. 1848
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
John Downing was a pensioner at $96 per annum. Died 12 Sept 1852. Marriage in 1788 proven by Record . Identity proven by Postmaster & Pension Agents
Admitted at $96 per annum from Septem- 12th 1852. During widowhood — Payable to widow —
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Joseph Alsley Portland Maine
A. H. Evans Examining Clerk.

We the undersigned assessors of the town of Poland State that we have known John Downing of Poland since 1815 at that time he resided in the town of Minot and was in possession of about 60 acres of land nearly all of it unimproved the income of said land was not sufficient to support him. In 1817 he had contracted debts for his living on account of sickness to the amount of more than $100.00; from 1818 to 1820 he was in some measure relieved by a Pension from the U. S. of $8.00 per month; In August 1821 he sold his land for $650.00 which we considered a high price at this time. Downing was in poor health and owed many small debts which he could not  have discharged without selling his land in Sept 1821 Mr Downing went to board with Joseph Strout of Poland where he had the profit of all the labor his health would permit him to perform, since that time Downing has resided in Poland, he has been much of the time entirely unable to work, we further state that we believe Mr Downing has prudently managed his affairs and that the proceeds of his land (which is his only property) Bed and clothing excepted is all  expended The assessors of Poland have never assessed any tax upon Mr Downing on account on account of his circumstances and ill health Nov 3 d 1829
John H. Bartlett Iabez Bous Jr. } Assessors of Poland
Cumberland Febuary 4 th 1829 Personally appeared John H. Bartlett and Iabez Bous Jr above named whom I certify to be respectable and creditable witnesses and made oath to the above declaration.
Before me Samuel Small Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Cumberland County ss I William T. Vaughan Clerk of the Courts of Cumberland County Certify, that Samuel Small, before whom the within affidavit was made, is a magistrate in & for said County and that the within Signature purporting to be his is genuine —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and and subscribed my name the sixth day of February in the year 1829.
Wm J Vaughan Clerk of the Courts of Cumberland County

I Matthew Packard of Minot in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine yeoman, do hereby certify and say that June 24 th eighteen hundred and seventeen John Downing owed me by note thirty dol- lars - and on the twenty seventh day of March, eighteen hundred and nineteen he owed me by his other note in addition to that first mentioned seventeen dollars and fifty nine cents. In addition to the two notes here specified he owed me on account several dollars more - The notes were given for kind money. The accounts were for articles furnished him for farming uses. The whole amount of account and notes was about sixty dollars. This sum has been principally paid me by said Downing since he sold his farm in Minot. I should say from the best of my recollection about two thirds of it.
While said Downing lived in Minot (which town he removed from about two years ago) I lived a near neighbour to him. He was an infirm man and unable to endure much labour in consequence thereof as was necessary to manage his small farm. By means of this he became involved in debt and was under the necessity of selling his farm -
Matthew Packard
Cumberland, Novr 26 1823
Personally appeared Matthew Packard and

made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed
Before me Jacob Seitz Justice of the Peace
Matthew Parkers clerk

Know all men by these presents That I John Downing of Minot in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine Yeoman in consideration of the sum of six hundred fifty dollars to me paid by Samuel Downing Surr. of said Minot Yeoman the receipt whereof, I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell, convey and confirm unto him the said Samuel and his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract of land situated in said Minot, the same being all that part of lot of land Numbered seventy two according to the survey of Ephraim Ballard and Phillip Bullen excepting what was set off to Moses Emery upon Execution, and what was deeded by me to James Perkins as Trustee to Ruth Downing, the above deeded premises being on the Northeasterly end of said lot, and containing about sixty three acres more or less reference being had for particular boundaries to said lot, to the deed of James Hersey, Aaron Dwinal and Samuel Pool to me of the Eighth day of February A 1800 and to the above deed premises by me to said Downing to said Hersey and other deed, also to my said deed to James Perkins and said levy by Moses Emery. To have and to hold the same with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging to him the said Samuel Downing Jr and his heirs and assigns to their sole use and behoof forever and I do hereby for my self my heirs, executors and administrators covenant with the said Samuel Downing Surr. heirs and assigns That I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises that they are free of all incumbrances, that I have good right to sell and convey the same in manner aforesaid and that I and my heirs will warrant and defend the same to him the said Samuel Downing Jr & his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful demands of all persons In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and twenty one
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of John Downing (seal) Willard H Woodbury Jacob Hill - }
Cumberland ss August 15. 1821 Then the aforesaid John Downing appeared, Personally acknowledged the aforesaid instrument to be his deed Before me Jacob Hill Justice of the Peace
Received August 21. 1821 and recorded from the original Elias Merrill Register
A true copy as appears of record (Book 87. Page 529.
Attest Samuel Small Register.

State of Maine
Cumberland County ss: I, Joseph Pope Notary Public, legally admitted & sworn, & dwelling in Portland, in the County and State aforesaid, do certify, that Samuel Small of said Portland is the Register of Deeds for the said County, and that the signature purporting to be his which is made to the attestation on the other side hereof is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this twenty fourth day of June in the year 1829.
Joseph Pope, Notary Public
John D. Dunning Samuel Dunning

To the Honorable Secretary of War, Humbly represents John Downing, of Poland, late of Otisnot in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine, and says that he has been a Revolutionary pensioner agreeably to a certificate No. 5737. That in June 1820. he made a declaration & Schedule before the Hon. Albion K. Parris at Poland agreeably to the law of May 1. 1820. but received notice that his name was stricken from the roll of Pensioners. I then stated my situation to be that of a feeble disabled man. I have a bad rupture, and am often been so helpless for weeks as to be unable to dress or undress myself. What little property I then stated in my said Schedule has been necessarily used to help me in sickness and to pay the debts which sickness has occasioned - many days last winter I lived without fire or food except as assisted by my neighbors. I have no estate now nor have I disposed of what I have had, except from necessity alone - or to enable me to receive the necessities of life - and without any intention purposely to make myself appear to be poor in order to get my pension - and as others have been restored, I hope my necessities will so plead for me, that the Honorable Secretary will order me to be again paid my pension - John Downing

State of Maine - County of Cumberland - On this eleventh day of December A. D. 1821 - Before me, Joseph Pope Notary Public, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, dwelling in Portland in the County and State aforesaid, Personally appeared John Dowling and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the within declaration.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal Notarial, at said Portland the day and year last above written.
Joseph Pope, Notary Public

We Benjamin Lane of Minot and John Cousens of Poland and Samuel Verrill 3 rd of said Minot do testify and say, that we are severally well acquainted with John Downing late of said Minot now of said Poland in the County of Cumberland - and know that he has for many years been a very feeble man unable to support himself by his labor - and often confined for weeks together, without being able to help himself - he is ruptured badly, and must often have suffered had not his neighbors assisted him - and We the said Lane and Verrill do farther say that we are well knowing to the fact that said Downing has been obliged to dispose of what little estate he had in order to help himself to the necessaries of life, and to pay those expenses and debts which sickness occasions. He is now a poor man and unable to labor - and a most suitable person to receive the continuance of his pension as he has been entitled to the continuance of -
Benjamin Lane
John Cousens
Samuel Verrill 3 rd
State of Maine - County of Cumberland - December 11, th A.D. 1821 - Then Personally appeared, Benjamin Lane, John Cousens and Samuel Verrill 3 rd  who are respectable & credible witnesses! above named, and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal Notarial at Portland, the day & year last above written - Joseph Pope, Notary Public (dwelling in Portland)

I know all men by these presents I John Downing of Minot in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, yeoman, in consideration of the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars, to me paid by Samuel Downing Jun r , of said Minot, yeoman, the receipt where- -of I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell and convey and confirm unto him the said Samuel and his heirs and assigns forever, a certain tract of land situated in said Minot the same being all that part of lot of land numbered seventy two, according to the survey of Ephraim Ballard and Phillip Bullon: excepting what was was set off to Moses Emery upon Execution, and what was deeded by me to James Perkins as Trustee to Ruth Downing: the above deeded premises being on the Northeasterly end of said lot, and containing about sixty three acres, more or less, reference being had for particular boundaries to said lot to the deed of James Hearsy, Aaron Dwinal and Samuel Pool to me of the eighth day of February A 1800, and to the above deed - premises by me to said Downing to said Hearsy and others deed, also to my said deed to James Perkins and said Levy by Moses Emery,
To have and to hold, the same with all the privileges and and appurtenances to the same belonging to him the said Samuel Downing Jun r , and his heirs and assigns to their sole use and behoof forever. And I do hereby for myself, my heirs execu- -tors and administrators covenant with the said Samuel Downing Jun r , his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the premises, that they are free of all incumbrances that I have good right to sell and convey the same in manner aforesaid
and

and that I and any heirs will warrant and defend the same to him the said Samuel Downing Jun. his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful demands of all persons
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of Willard H. Woodbury } John Downing S s Jacob Hill
Cumberland ss. August 15. 1821. Then the aforesaid John Downing appeared personally acknowledged the afore written instrument to be his deed, before me Jacob Hill Just. Received August 21. 1821 and recorded from the original
Elias Merrill Reg d
A true copy as of record in Book 607 page 529
Atty. Elias Merrill Reg d
Copy of Deed - to John Downing to Samuel Downing Jun r D r

enclosed note
Minot Me Dec 1 st
8 ... 4 ... 8 ...
Free Member of Congress -
Yrs. &c.
Hon. Enoch Lincoln, ...
8 ... 4 ... 8 ...
Washington.

Minot Nov 26 1925-
Dear Sir
Inclosed is Doctor J. W. Hughes dis- vition in relation to Mr John Downings claims to be restored on the pension list. His proof in relation to the situation of his property you will find on the files at the War department, which either accompanied or were sent after, his last schedule. They have since been presented and a refusal to restore him adjudged, because as you formerly wrote, there was not satisfactory evidence to the Secretaries mind how he disposed of the proceeds of the sale of his small place, which proceeds amounted to 1500 00 /. You will there find evidence of 570 00 debts discharged out of the proceeds of this place, but the Secretary is not satisfied how these debts were contracted. Many of them were con- tracted prior to the time of his sale, and some after ward. The state of Mr Downings infirmities are and have been such that he could not for several years past contribute much towards his support, by labour. This alone must needs waste, the small remainder of property he had when he sold and after which debts he then owed were discharged. His debts at that period, like most others under like circumstances, amount- ed to more, than he apprehended. He had in fact much less left to help himself with, than he did himself sup- pose. What he then had with the strictest economy, must now be exhausted. Mr Downings has a permanent in ali- ty, which does, and always will deprive him from labour for a subsistence. The charities of his friend contribute to make him comfortable, but these charities should not be exhausted when he

has so fair and just a claim upon his Country for assistance.
You will readily perceive how impracticable it is for an illiterate man, one who does not pur- sue much method in accounts of expenses, to show with much accuracy for precision, when, when, and how he con- tracted all his debts. I have no doubt that Mr Downing has already made all the certainty upon this subject that he can. But the Secretary's suggestion on this subject seems to imply something more than a want of certainty how those debts were contracted; it seems to carry with it an idea that these debts may have been fraudulently contracted with a view to impose on the liberality of his Country.
If such be his views on this subject I can only add they must arise from a want of knowing the character of Mr Downing. I have been personally acquainted with Mr Downing for fourteen years past, and have had many means of knowing his pecuniary concerns, and from my knowledge of his character, and also of his concerns I have no doubt, that the representation made of his debts is true. These facts would bring him within the provisions of the pension law. Add to this the state of his infirmities, as attested by Dea. Nichols, a very respectable surgeon, and one would think that justice would demand a speedy appli- cation of the provision of the pension law, to the necessities of his case.
I hope you will give this case and the others an speedy an attention as your convenience will admit. Should any thing be wanting with a view to render the facts more certain either in this or the case of Kimsey or Davis

I hope you will afford me time of in season to make the returns to you
Please let me hear from you in relation to these matters as soon as you can -
I shall be glad of any communication with which you may please to favour me during the session, and will furnish such returns as it is in my power to render
Very Respectfully your friend & ob't serv't Jacob Seitz
Hon. E. Lincoln
P.S. I hope you will not anticipate too much trouble on the score of business or a private and local character from me by my points in relation to this. you will recollect the top of last winter's communication which seems to demand a speedy beginning out of the like accident
errand which

John Downing for restoration
Recd Jan'y 17. 1826
Hon. Lincoln H. H.
J. Edwards Esq.
Mr. Department

Sir -
I am obliged to ask your attention to the enclosed deposition, which has been transmitted to me, as being the proper agent to communicate with you on the subject. I must also trouble you with the letter of Mr. Hill relating to the same subject as that mentioned in Mr. Michels' deposition, & commend to your full confidence every statement Mr. Hill makes, as I know him to be incapable of any attempt at deception.
I am most respectfully Your Ht. Servant Enoch Lincoln

United States of America Maine, District of
District Clerk's Office
In testimony that Elias Merrill Esquire is the Register of Scales for the county of Cumberland in Maine District and that the signature to the certifi- cate on the within connected copy of a deed, is the true signature of the said Merrill I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said District Court this sixteenth day of July A.D. 1823
John D. Sleeper Clerk
2339 - John Downing Copy
March 1819
Malaga
MAINE DISTRICT
John Downing, Esq. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for the District of Maine. Do hereby certify that the foregoing copy is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and that the same is a true copy of the original as shown to the said Court.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 18th day of March 1819.
John Downing Clerk of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.
At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the Tuesday, being the  day of and by adjournment from day to day, on the thirteenth day of May three in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable ALBION K. PARRIS, Ashur Ware Judge of said Court.
ON this thirteenth day of May in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, John Downing aged fifty seven years, resident in Poland in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revo- make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18 th March 1818 and the 1 st May 1820 that the said Downing enlisted for the term of three years on the fourteenth day of April 1782 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain Barr in the Regiment commanded by Col. Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Con- tinental Establishment. That I continued to serve in said corps until the 30 th day of June 1784 when I was discharged from the said service in West Point in the State of New York. That my name has been placed on the pension list and draft therefrom on account of my property. And in pursuance of the Act of May 1820
so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18 th day of March, 1818 : and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me ; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed ; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me. that since the exhibition of my first schedule, the following changes have been made in my property, as stated on the back hereof
John Downing
Sworn to and declared, on the 13 day of May A. D. 1826 }
BEFORE
Ashur Ware
{ U. S. District Judge for the District of Maine.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate — I have none
Personal estate — a few cooking utensils and articles of household stuff not worth enumerating and which I do not use —
On the 15 th of August 1821 I sold the land mentioned in my first schedule to Samuel Downing Junr for $650 with which I paid the following debts which had long been due viz
To Joseph Strout — $100.33 — To Richard Downing — $132.33
To Godfrey Grosvenor — 64.88 — to Matthew Packard — $60 —
To John H. Bartlett — 18.83 which were the largest debts I owed — I have also at different times since paid about twenty small debts of from one to fifteen dollars as appears by the bills and receipts I have taken to as many different persons to the amount of one hundred and ninety five dollars — I have also occasionally bought some small articles of consumption and necessary supplies of which I have not kept any account — I am now owing to different persons for necessary articles sums to a considerable amount which I am unable to pay and I have no income
John Downing
Signed and sworn to
Before
May 13. 1823
Asher Ware J. U. S. for D. Jell.
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me John Downing who, by occupation am a Farmer — which I am not able to pursue by reason of a bad rupture and a cancer and rheumatism
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     I have no family — I live at present with A. W. Strout — and do what I can towards my support — but cannot do enough to pay my board and clothe myself  
John Downing
May 13. 1823
Signed & sworn to
Before
Asher Ware D. J. U. S.

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
I, JOHN MUSSEY, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Eight — dollars and no more  cents .
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this thirteenth day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty. three
John Nulsey Junr
{ Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.

United States of America Maine District
District Clerk's Office
In testimony that Elias Merrill Esquire is the Register of Deeds for the county of Cumberland in Maine District and that the signature to the certificate on the within and annexed copy of a deed, is the true signature of the said Merrill I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said District Court this sixteenth day of July A.D. 1823
John Mussey Jun Clerk
8339 - John Dunning Copy
March 1819
March 23
MAINE DISTRICT
I, JOHN MUSSEY, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District do hereby certify that the foregoing copy of the within and annexed copy of a deed is a true and correct copy of the original thereof and that the signature of the said Elias Merrill to the said certificate is the true signature of the said Elias Merrill.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 16th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District
John Mussey Junr.

131. John Downing Copy
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
total amount in value of the property exhibited in the annexed schedule is record of the said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the property exhibited that the foregoing copy and the schedules thereto annexed are true copies from the records of the said Court, John Downing, Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine, District of Maine ss. A. D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety the said Court on this In presence whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court.
Clerk of the U. S. District Court
not entitled
5,737
22 Jan'y '19

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.
At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland within and for the District of Maine, on the first Tuesday, being the sixth day of June and by adjournment from day to day, on the thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable ALBION K. PARRIS, Judge of said Court.
ON this thirteenth day of June in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, John Downing aged fifty five years, resident in Minot in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a Private in the company commanded by Capt. Abbott & Gobby in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the 13th day of April A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 5737 was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
John Downing
Sworn to and declared, on the thirteenth day of June A. D. 1820.
BEFORE
Albion K. Parris
U. S. District Judge for the District of Maine.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate — about sixty seven acres of land in Minot, with a small house having but one room, unfinished outside and inside — also a poor barn a part of it fallen down — I have no stock — most of said land lays common —
Personal estate — a few ordinary articles of furniture necessary for cooking and eating — a few farming tools — I have no income — and am in debt forty dollars
John Browning
Sworn to
Before
Albion H. Barris U.S. Dist. Judge
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me John Browning who, by occupation am a Farmer, which I am not able to pursue by reason of a rupture and a cancer under my arm
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     I have no family — but live by myself — and cook for myself John Browning   Sworn to Before Albion H. Barris U.S. Dist. Judge  

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
I, JOHN MUSSEY, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is three hundred, forty... eight dollars and thirty three . . cents. and no more
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this thirteenth day of June . . . A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
John Mussey Junr
{ Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.
#340.33

For reconsideration Rec. 19 Dec. 1821
The Hon ble J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, Washington
Mr. Calhoun

Portland, Maine, Dec r 12. 1821.
Hon ble The Secretary of War.
Sir, I enclose the memorial or representation of John Downing together with the affidavit of three respectable witnesses, to me well known. It would seem that he is a most fit person to receive the provisions of the pension law, which I think and hope on consideration will be granted, and a letter of favorable decision, in his behalf forwarded to me --
I am Sir very respectfully Your obed t Serv t . --
Joseph Pope

States of Maine I William T Vaughan Clerk of the Courts of Cumberland County, certify that Godfrey Grosvenor, Jonathan Pulcifer Jr William Lowell, William Dunn and Willard H. Woodbury Esquires, are Magistrates in & for said County, and that the respective signatures to the certificates made on the annexed and appended papers, purporting to be theirs respectively are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this fifth day of May in the year 1829.
William T Vaughan Clerk of the Courts of Cumberland County

Know all men by these presents that I Joseph Stout of Poland in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine of lawful age do testify & say that John Downing came to board with me in September Eighteen hundred & Twenty One. I agreed to board him for one dollar per week and to allow him three shillings & fifty cents per day for every days work he should be able to do winter or summer but he has been able to do but little labor. but up to Eighteen Hundred Twenty Nine October the fourteenth he paid me Two hundred Dollars & thirty three cents since which time there has been no settlement nor has paid me since in money about one hundred Dollars. what he now owes me he cannot pay and I am not in a situation to board him without pay and should not have kept him till this time had not every body supposed that he would have rec d his pension as his health has been such for three years past that he can do no labor of any amount and unless he can get his pension he must be assisted by the Town and further the deponent saith not Joseph Stout
Cumberland ss I do hereby certify that on this day personally appeared Joseph Stout known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing deposition and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. Given under my hand this 2nd day of May 2 nd 1829 Joseph Stout Personally appeared and made oath to the above deposition by him signed before me Asaph Grosvenor Justice of Peace

Know all men by their presence that I Cumberland was of Poland in the County of the State of Maine of lawful age, do do testify and say, that I have been acquaint- -ed with John Queckling for twenty years last past, & more intimately acquainted with him for seven or eight years last past. He living a near neighbor to me, I consider him an infirm man many hours, & wholly unable to labor, except a few light chores The time he has lived in Poland has been 7 or 8 years, we have never taxed him for any property whatever nor even a poll tax. & unless he obtains a pension he has nothing to depend upon but the cold hand of charity.
Poland May 4 1829
Wm Queckling one of the witnesses of Poland
Cumberland ss Poland May 4, 1829 Wm Queckling personally appeared & made oath to the above 1 Deposition by him signed before me
Jonathan Puleifer Justice of Peace

This certifies that we Olis Nelson and Joshua Parsons Select men of Minot have been acquainted with John Downing for a number of years past. He formerly owned a small farm in this town; but by reason of ill health he disposed of said farm and went into an adjoining town of Poland and for six or seven years last past has lived with his son-in-law. He has been able to do but little work except about house. His property we believe is so far gone as to leave him unable fully to pay for his board and Doctor's bills since Oct. 1825. We further certify that in our opinion said Downing must have help from some source and that his friends are poorly able to support him.
Said Downing from our knowledge of him is a man of truth. Olis Nelson } Selectmen Joshua Parsons } of Minot Minot May 5 th 1829
Cumberland 13 May 5 th 1829 then personally appeared the above named Olis Nelson and Joshua Parsons and made solemn oath that the foregoing is true account of John Downing according to the best of their knowledge before me
Wm. L. Sewell } Justice of the peace

Know all men by these presents that I Jonathan Pulifer y of Poland in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine of lawful age do testify and say that That John Downing has paid me the following sums for shoe and boot making and mending between Novm r twenty fourth Eighteen hundred and twenty one to Feb. twelveth Eighteen hundred and twenty sum the sum of twenty two dollars and twenty nine cents as appears by my book and also eleven dollars of lent money in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty three
Jonathan Pulifer y.
Cumberland So. May 4 th 1829 Personally appeared Jonathan Pulifer y. and made oath to the above deposition by him signed before me Wm (Purinton) Justice of Peace —

I Richard D Downing of Shutes in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine of lawfull age do testify & say that John Downing my Brother of mine and his health has been bad for Twenty years last past and he was unable to labor much and his Doc rs bills were so large that he became so much indebt he was oblig- to sell his Farm in Eighteen hundred & Twenty One in order to pay his debts since that at that time he owe- me One hundred & Forty Five Dollars as appears by Notes & receipts now present that he has taken up and I believe he owes me considerable more than that sum but cannot ascertain how much more his health has been growing worse every year and now he is not able to do any labor except some light work perhaps for a few days in the year but for the most of the time for several years past he has not been able to do any labor his property is gone and unless he can get his pension from government he must come upon the town and had he been oblig d to have board for his board as other people do he must have had help from some quarter but he has lived with a son in law who has kept him fifty per cent lower for the last eight years come September than other people than charge for board his property is now gone he must have help from some quarter
Richard D. Downing
Cumberland May 2 th 1829 Personally appeared Richard D Downing and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed before me Galsby Grevener Justice of peace

Know all men by their presents that I Godfrey Grouve - nor of kin in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine of lawfull age do testify and say that That John Downing has paid me the following sums for Goods had out of my store in the month of February Eighteen Hundred Twenty he paid me fifteen Dollars Nine three cents. in Feb. 18 1818. Eighteen hundred Twenty two Thirteen Dollars & Eighty nine cents. May Eighteen Hundred & Twenty he paid me Twenty Seven Dollars Twenty two cents in May Eighteen hundred & Twenty five he paid me Twelve Dollars Thirty seven Cents all the above sums appear by Notes he now presents to me that he has taken up at the above dates I know that facts by the interest being cast on said Notes and they now remain there also August Fifteenth Eighteen hundred & Twenty three he paid me on Book as per my note presented Seven Dollars Twenty two cents as also Five Dollars & Eighteen cents since which time he has paid me money in a great many instances at one time for a coat. and at a great many other times for clothing and other things how much I cannot say precisely but should suppose forty or fifty Dollars as he has not been able to labor much for ten years last past and for two years last past none except a little care about the house and had not his children taken from him he must have been supported by the town before this and they are poorly able to do it They have hard work to take care of themselves and should he not obtain help from government in the way of his pension he must have it from some where as he cannot take care of himself his property is gone and he is so unwell now that he cannot get about to do any thing in labor
Godfrey Grouve

Cumberland May 2 nd 1829 Personally appeared Rufus Groves and made oath to the within deposition by him signed before me Willard H. Woodbury Justice of the Peace
cc 361 John D. Browning
Godfrey Groves Deputy Sheriff

Jesse W. Michels of Alton in the County of St. Clair in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine Iurgeon on oath before and say that I have examined a scrotal-hernia on John Downing of Poland in said County, in consequence of which complaint he is unable to perform any labour. It would endanger his life to labour as the complaint is.
Jesse W. Michels
Cumberland, Nov 24 1823
Personally appeared the above named Jesse W. Michels and made oath that the above affi- davit by him signed was true
Before me Jacob Foss Jr. of the Peace
Richard D. Downing of Alton in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine Iurgeon on oath before & say that John Downing formerly of Poland now of Poland is my brother. I have known that he has been afflicted with the complaint specified in the above affidavit more than twenty years past. And that in consequence of said complaint he has be disabled most of said time from performing bodily labour.
Richard D. Downing
Cumberland, Nov 24 1823
Personally appeared Richard D. Downing

And made oath that the affidavit by him signed contained the truth
Before me Jacob Hill Jus. of the Peace
Jesse W. Hughes & A. D. Downing: att -

Minot September 15 th 1823
This Day Received of John Downing Seventy two Cents in full for a Note of hand which I received of him some time in the year of 1818 according to the best of my recollection
Joseph Washburn
NB the above Note was given for Eighty Dollars

Jesse W. Nichols
dep. ———

I Jesse W. Michels of Minot in the county of Cumberland and State of Maine, depose and certify that having been for a number of years acquainted with John Downing of Poland, in said county, it is my opinion he is unfit to do any bodily labour in consequence of scrofula kernee, and a generally deranged state of bowels. Hard labour would probably endanger his life - Jesse W. Michels - Surgeon -
Cumberland Nov 26 1825
Personally appeared Jesse W. Michels and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed Before me Jacob Seill Jus. of the Peace

Papers to be used in John Downing's Case, 1 March 1823,
Maine. .
John Downing,
Rec d . 5 Jan: 1824.
Hon: E. Lincoln Ho. Re.

The enclosed papers relate to the application of John Downing for a pension. The affidavits were taken before Jacob Hill Esq. who is known to me to have been at the time a Justice of the Peace duly authorised to administer oaths.
Enoch Lincoln

Maine
John Downing, private 3 years.
Aged 57 years. bad rupture and a cancer. no family does what he can but cannot do enough to pay for his board Schedule dated June 1870.
Contains - 67 acres of Land a small House unfinished - no Stock, most of the Land lays common - a few articles of furniture, no income amt of schedule - $348.33.
over $40. -
Schedule under the act of Mar 1823 dated May 13. 1823
Real property none.
Personal do. amt in value to $8.00
Sold the Land mentioned in his 1 Schedule 15 Augt 1870 to Saml Downing Jun for $640. with which he paid the following debts

  To I Street  $100. 33    " G Gessner  " 64 88    " A Battle  " 18. 83    " R Downing  " 132. 33    " M Packard  60. 00  
not satisfied
$37. 6. 37
no evidence of this. A.G.G. He has also paid about 20 small debts amounting to $195. and has occasionally bought some small articles of consumption. In the affidavit of Mr. Packard one of the applicant's creditors filed within, in which he states that the applicant owed him in notes about $60. and that the applicant has fully  principally paid him the said sum since he sold the land mentioned in his 1. schedule. A duly authenticated copy of the deed is filed with Dated 15 Augt 1824.
See letter 26 Jan. 1824, to Hon E Lincoln H R

Ph; Oct 29 th July 48 th Mes
Boyleton,

No. 1295 Ruth Downing widow of John Maine
Admitted
Act July 29. 1848

✓ 9184
160 Ams

5737.
Maine
John Downing Private Massachusetts Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 13 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd of Jan y 1819 and sent to Albion H. Parris Esq Paris. Oxford Co y Maine
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818 4 mo: 21/30 = 37. 87 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 Mar 1819 - 48
$ 85. 86
no
20
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Schedule not enrolled
Certificate sent 26 June 1820 to John Murphy Esq
Esq. Portland, Maine
Copy of Mr. G. G. G. opinion sent 24 Dec. 1821 to Joseph P. D. Esq. Portland, Maine.

Ruth Downing Widow of John Downing Maine
Set July 29. 1848
Prin: $96 per annum. from Sept. 12. 1852
During widowhood
Payable to widow
Joseph Ilesley Portland Maine

Portland, Me. Sept 30, 1853
Sir. I herewith forward you the declaration of Ruth Downing Widow of John Downing for the benefits of the act 3 rd July 1848, which if correct please forward me a certificate I forwarded you a few days. Since the case of Mrs Picket for the benefits of act 3 rd July 1833 have since learnt that you require the person who files the application to state that he has no interest in the case, I wish to state that I have none beyond a charge of five dollars which I charge for my services for preparing the papers, the same in the case I now enclose you Ruth Downing
Respectfully Yours, Jos. Isley
L. P. Waldo Esq Commission of Pension Washington D. C.

Pension Office 30th June, 1829.
Hon. John H. Eaton Secretary of War [Signature] Pensylvania
Washington
24 June 1829

Portland June 25. 1829
Sir
Enclosed you have the copy of deed in the case of John Downing which was returned for authentication. The Register of Deeds is an Officer without a seal - and his certificate of copies of record (in the form this was first sent) is received as evidence in the highest Court of this and the neighboring States - A Notarial certificate is now added with a seal.
Your obedt servt J. Mussey
James P. Edwards Esq War Department Washington

1 March 1823
John Downing
John Downing
Hon. Mr. Anderson,
H. P.
Recd. 28 Feb 1823
J. L. Edmiston

Hevers of the P. Feb 27 th 1827
Sir - I have just received the enclosed additional evidence for John Downings application for a pension.
I will thank you to give me an answer as soon as you can conveniently. & if he can not be allowed here the goodness to state wherein his evidence is deficient.
With great respect you
ob t Serv t
John Anderson

Boston, Mass., May 22. 1899
Sir:
I desire the revolutionary service of John Downing who lived at Abingdon, Maine, during the last years of his life. He died in or about 1852. He was born about 1762 or 1763. I am informed that he was a "revolutionary pensioner." I am also informed that his wife survived him a few years and that his pension was continued to her during her remaining years.
Very Respectfully,
Herb. C. Simmons of Pension? Washington D.C. }
Herbert G. Briggs 62 Devonshire Street Boston, Mass

Department of Revolutionary Pensions Washington D. C.
Will you please give me the following infor- mation. Regarding John Downings who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of Minot Maine living there in 1840

What was his service in the Rev war, where was he born? Date of his death?
Date of marriage.
Give documentary or other authority upon which record is founded?
Please reply soon and greatly oblige, I have written before, and enclosed stamps but have received no reply.
no stamps.

Very Respectfully, Mrs. L. Helen Marshall, #188 Moody Street Waltham Mass.

Pension Bureau.
Washington D. C. I write to make inquiries in regard to a Revolution- ary Pensioner by the name of John Downing. He was born in the year 1666. Died in North Auburn Maine in the year Sept 12 1852. Aged 86 years. His wife was Ruth Emery sister of Judy Emery of Davis Hill Maine. and Hannibal Hamlin a former Vice President

of the U. S. A., married two of his daughters, Ruth Emery the wife of John Dorning, Died Oct 26 1864, Aged 95-5 months. I write these particulars, that I may if possible ascertain the place of his birth, and more especially what his service was in the Army, as I wish to get authoritative information. Will you kindly write me, if you have any information concerning him. It came to me, that as he was a pensioner there must be with you a historical record of his service at the Bureau.
I do not know where he enlisted that is from what state. God has no doubt, from either Maine or Mass, as he lived in Maine a great many years, and reared a large family, to my knowledge. Any information you can give me will be gratefully received.
Very respectfully yours. L. Helen Marshall. 188 Moody St. Waltham Mass.

Department of Revolutionary Pensions
I write to kindly ask the following information of you, in regard to a Revolutionary soldier, who was a pensioner, John Downing of Minot, living there in the year 1840.
Where and in what year he died — Where was he born — In what capacity did he act in establishing American Independence Place of marriage

Also give documentary or other authority upon which record is formed.
Any thing you may have in regard to his service will be of great value to me.
Yours very Respectfully Mrs. L. Helen Marshall. * 203 Brackett St. Portland Maine.
March 8, 1908